Carly Rae Jepsen @ House of Blues, Dallas, TX

Words and photos by Scott Rowe

Carly Rae Jepsen, the pint-sized songstress from Canada, took over the House of Blues in Dallas, just as she did back in 2016.  Her last stop in Big D, she was riding high touring on her critically-acclaimed album, E*MO*TION, which was a master class in pop music, solidifying Jepsen as a present day Queen of Pop.  The "Call Me Maybe" singer proved she was no one trick pony, opting for a more synth-driven sound, one that resonates perfectly with her fans, the Jepsies.  I remember in 2016 thinking someone with so much songwriting talent and someone who oozes effortless charisma onstage should be playing venues much bigger than the House of Blues.  But alas, the difference between cult hero and superstar usually is a few million albums, arenas and stadiums, and probably a bunch of negativity and sometimes a loss of sense of self.  For all of her fans, it's been Jepsen's ability to be personable that has built her almost cult-like following, from online to her shows.  The love between her and her fans, and her fans and her is something to relish and it was on full display at the House of Blues as Jepsen stopped to give her fans a taste of her latest release, Dedicated.

While Jepsen's stage production has bumped up since her last headlining performance in Dallas, it's still pretty simple for pop standards.  But one thing you learn at a Carly Rae show, it's less about the production and more about the interaction and connection.  Jepsen's music fills every possible space of the music hall, from one corner to the next, from the front row to the far back.  It's uplifting, it's energetic, and it's downright infectious.  I cannot recall a time during her show that the entire floor was not dancing, singing, or a combination of the two.  And in true baller form, Carly performed her biggest hit, "Call Me Maybe", during the sixth of 23 songs.  23!!  I've only seen a few bands actually shy away from performing their biggest hit at the end of their set or during an encore (i.e. the Killers opening with "Mr. Brightside"), but with Jepsen, it doesn't change the mood at all.  While it generated a larger ovation than most of the remaining songs, the party only continued until the music stopped playing.  It's amazing to look back and think that I had more fun at this show than I do at most of the shows I shoot/review and I'm barely a casual fan of her music.  Her shows are that good.  So, next time you want to spend an evening with your good friend Carly, do it.  Bring a friend.  And dance the night away.

Photos of the show are below:

enjoy.